The West Australian Pulse 2023: artist profile Daniella Mukwada on being selected for the AGWA exhibition

There was never any doubt in Daniella Mukwada’s mind as a Year 12 visual arts graduate at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School in 2022 that she wanted her final work to explore the dangerous dynamic that exists in a domestically violent relationship. “I was quite frustrated about how the media portrayed women who experienced domestic violence as being weak,” Mukwada, now studying architecture at Curtin University, says. “I was very decisive on that topic. I think it was also inspired because at the time, you know, not my family, but we had really close family friends who had experienced that, and experienced the craziness that comes with being in a relationship that is mostly violence.” Her frustration at a society that antagonises women for not leaving abusive situations resulted in Love Bombing: Our Sweet Utopia, an oil paint and paper collage across two canvases, that went on to be selected for The West Australian Pulse 2023 at The Art Gallery of Western Australia. In its 31st year, the annual showcase exhibition — amplified this year to include a Pulse program of events to showcase the State’s young talent across all creative forms — features 61 works by 2022 Year 12 Visual Arts graduates from 36 schools across WA. Gauging the pulse of young people, the other artists have also explored a range of themes from mental health and social pressures to gender and culture, environmentalism and technology. Mukwada chose to examine domestic violence from the male point of view, using visual metaphors and distortions to capture the illusion both the abuser and victims lived under. “To be honest, I think I was just a bit curious as to why they did it,” she says. “So it was also me trying to understand, why do men stay with women if they don’t want to abuse them?” She says the paintings depict a narrative suggesting an imbalance of power and suffocating control. “I have emphasised the delusions of the honeymoon period and highlighted the obsessive tendencies of abusers who love-bomb and constantly monitor their victims,” Mukwada explains. “The paintings kind of speak to each other and tackle the male and female perspective. “I really wish to open up a conversation, especially with men, and address the shame that’s involved with domestic violence. I just want to bring it more to the forefront, and also to women to be able to know the signs of what love-bombing looks like and how to recognise it, because I don’t think we’re taught at all.” Mukwada says her selection for The West Australian Pulse 2023 has been surreal and an encouragement to pursue art a little bit more. “It’s been an incredible experience and really fascinating,” she says. “When I went to The West Australia Pulse 2023, I was expecting to just go into an exhibition, but having the fashion show and the music, it really made the art feel alive. “As an artist, when I was doing my work in my classroom, it was just so limited, but this really expanded my horizons.” The West Australian Pulse 2023 is at AGWA until August 20. More at artgallery.wa.gov.au. Phone 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit whiteribbon.org.au Pulse 2023 Youth Workshops It is one thing to have artistic talent but hands-on skills are essential for young and emerging artists to get noticed. Hosted in collaboration with The West Australian, Pulse 2023 Youth Workshops at AGWA Theatrette on June 10 will feature artists, industry changemakers and educators presenting a series of workshops to provide real world skills. Workshop 1, 11am-12pm, June 10: Writing your way to grant success Arts leader Kim Jameson will take young creatives through the ins and outs of successful grant writing in this hands-on workshop. Workshop 2, 1-2pm, June 10: Making your own way – artist run initiatives (ARIS) Cool Change gallery manager Dan Bourke and Pig Melon founder and co-director Luisa Hansal are key people in Perth’s ARI community. Hear their approach, things to consider and where to from here for artist-led projects in Perth. Each Pulse 2023 Youth Workshop is free, with registration required at artgallery.wa.gov.au.